I'm a life-long console gamer who's never owned a gaming PC (I've only ever owned Macs), but I'm tempted to finally make the plunge into getting a Windows gaming rig for Fallout 4.
Unfortunately, I don't know shit about building PCs, so just grabbing a bunch of parts from Newegg and bolting them together by myself is out of the question - for a while, it seemed like the Steam Machines were the answer to my prayers, but since no one seems to know if Fallout 4 will even be published for Steam OS (to say nothing of how half the reason of getting a gaming PC would be so I can finally play everything on Steam and not be tied to a niche OS), I'm back to square one.
So, what pre-built Windows gaming rigs would you guys recommend? Ideally, I'm looking for something that can run Fallout 4 on better-than-console settings and that can be easily hooked up to a TV for play with a controller (really, I'm just looking for a beefy gaming console in the shape of a PC).
Anyone have recommendations?
And for reference, here are the recommended specs for Fallout 4:
Windows 7/8/10 (64-bit OS required)
Intel Core i7 4790 3.6 GHz/AMD FX-9590 4.7 GHz or equivalent
8 GB RAM
30 GB free HDD space
NVIDIA GTX 780 3GB/AMD Radeon R9 290X 4GB or equivalent
If you're going prebuilt, I'd go with a tier 3 Alienware X51. That'll proof you through the gen and then some, not to mention it has a nice slim form factor.
It's here: http://www.dell.com/us/p/alienware-...ven1=sGqJTRLqp&ven2=e&ven3=811303025928068685
Failing that, the first and second tier X51's are also an option. You could also pick and choose what your processor/video card is.
If you're going prebuilt, I'd go with a tier 3 Alienware X51. That'll proof you through the gen and then some, not to mention it has a nice slim form factor.
It's here: http://www.dell.com/us/p/alienware-...ven1=sGqJTRLqp&ven2=e&ven3=811303025928068685
Failing that, the first and second tier X51's are also an option. You could also pick and choose what your processor/video card is.
Buy a pre-made hackintosh off of eBay. They are great options for Mac users who want to get into PC gaming but not have the hassle of more machines than they need.
The next PC I build I will take my own advice since I can't justify an iMac, and Macbook, and a gaming PC to meet my needs.
I love this thread. I'd also love to enjoy PC beef and upgradability, but with console-like simplicity. I have zero interest in learning about drivers and weird lists of settings that might as well be written in Greek; and as a lifelong Mac user the idea of Windows is kind of horrifying (I'd have to worry about viruses? Never had one!) but it would be sweet to have a more powerful machine capable of delivering more demanding experiences.
I'm kind of amazed there isn't an option.
My 2 cents;
- Decent LGA1150 mobo, don't get cheap one yet no need for premium [I would pick one in range of 100 to 150]
- i5 4690K 3,5 GHz LGA1150 or i5 4570 3.2 GHz LGA1150
- Some okay priced aftermarket cooler for CPU, default Intel one sucks ass
- 8GB of DDR3, 2x4GB kit. Allows you to upgrade into 16GB with another 2x4GB when needed
- R9 390 or GTX970, I would pick R9 390 for more VRAM and better 1440p performance + not surprised if better 1080p performance year from now
- Quality PSU, e.g. EVGA PSU's are super solid
- Good case, I always prefer Fractal Design stuff like R5 or S -series.
edit: a lots of stores offer services like building PC for you, and even installing mandatory software like Windows
edit2: this isn't super budget build, then I have no idea what kind money you are looking at
Part of me is tempted to wait until the Steam Machines hit to see how easily the Steam OS can be swapped for Windows 10.
Me am baby.
What is there to learn about drivers? You install them or you don't. Want to update? Two clicks, or have it do it automagically. Don't like it? Revert to previous driver with two more clicks. Do Macs never get driver updates? I'd be very surprised if they didn't. I haven't had a Virus on any of my windows machines in over 7 years, so I'm not sure why you think that's a common occurrence. People who get a ton of virsues usually click "YES" to every pop-up that ever pops up. If you aren't a complete fool, they are very easy to avoid all together. But to each there own, I just think your reasons stem from ignorance of the platform as a whole.
I won't deny that for a second! My reasons are rooted in watching PC people constantly doing complicated things I don't understand, and constantly complaining about complicated problems I don't understand.
...I have no idea what a driver is.
This is really helpful, thanks.
I think I'm going to go with the middle-tier alpha.
Console versions will support mods.
you attach a USB dvd drive to your steam machine, then put a windows CD in the drive and turn it on.
Then you click "install."
that's all.
The game is pretty much designed around consoles and I doubt PC is going to squeeze much out of it.
Eh, why not put a USB drive with Win10 on it and click install? That said, X51 is a better bet and OP can always pick up Steam controller separately.
I really think that's completely off.The game is pretty much designed around consoles and I doubt PC is going to squeeze much out of it.
Current steam machines are either underpowered (compared to what you want to achieve, not compared to consoles) or overpriced. That's the truth.
Op, where do you live and do you have a specific budget in mind?
Yeah, it's an example of Valve's laissez-faire attitude (which has served them very well in other matters) not working out.It is. I will never understand the reasoning behind Valve's decisions regarding Steam Machines, coming up with a single spec as an entry-level solution to PC gaming seemed like a no-brainer. Then they let every OEM do whatever it wanted without limitations or guidelines and the result is this mess of underpowered or overpriced machines, with very few exceptions. Alienware and Zotac have some intriguing models, most of the others are total garbage.
Eh, why not put a USB drive with Win10 on it and click install? That said, X51 is a better bet and OP can always pick up Steam controller separately.
Yeah, it's an example of Valve's laissez-faire attitude (which has served them very well in other matters) not working out.
Well, maybe it's just not working out yet.
It is. I will never understand the reasoning behind Valve's decisions regarding Steam Machines, coming up with a single spec as an entry-level solution to PC gaming seemed like a no-brainer. Then they let every OEM do whatever it wanted without limitations or guidelines and the result is this mess of underpowered or overpriced machines, with very few exceptions. Alienware and Zotac have some intriguing models, most of the others are total garbage.
Well, that's something Valve will never be able to give.a guarantee that whatever they're buying will be able to run most games coming out in the next 5 years
Well, that's something Valve will never be able to give.
That's the cost of the power and beauty of PC gaming
Building PC's is really, really easy and requires maybe watching one or two videos about it on youtube. I knew nothing and have no technical aptitude but put mine together in about two hours (which is a pretty long time)
Are you crazy?
If I'm gonna blow the extra cash to get a pre-built machine, I'd rather get something that makes Fallout 4 look extra pretty *and* is a future-proofed a little right out of the starting gate.
Are you crazy?
I dont understand, did he pull up from the wrong side and break off part of the connector or something?
Are you crazy?
Despite everybody talking about how easy it is to build a gaming rig with just a few Youtube videos on hand, what really scares me is people who claim how easy it can be and then spend a ridiculous amount of time complaining how they've fucked up their latest build.
This is what some folks keep telling me - I'm tempted to try (just because I'm an idiot), but then half of those guys spend half their time bitching about how they accidentally fucked up their latest build, which...does not exactly inspire confidence.
If folks have Newegg recipes for a Fallout 4-friendly machine, though, feel free to post 'em!